Rich Source Of Polysaccharides Research Articles

Application of Taro (Colocasia esculenta) Mucilage as a Promising Antimicrobial Agent to Extend the Shelf Life of Fresh-Cut Brinjals (Eggplants).

Taro rhizomes are a rich source of polysaccharides, including starch and mucilage. However, mucilage has excellent anti-microbial efficacy, and unique gel-forming and techno-functional properties. Therefore, this study aimed to extract and utilize taro mucilage (TM), which is viscous and has a gel-like texture, for the shelf-life enhancement of fresh-cut brinjals (eggplants). Mucilage was extracted using hot-water extraction and the yield was calculated to be 6.25 ± 0.87% on a dry basis. Different formulations of coating gel solutions were prepared: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7%. The selection of the coating gel solution was carried out based on particle size. The smallest particle size was observed in treatment T5 (154 ± 0.81 nm) and zeta potential -27.22 ± 0.75 mV. Furthermore, cut brinjals were coated with the prepared mucilage gel solution and this showed a significant effect on the overall physicochemical properties of cut brinjals. Maximum weight loss occurred on the 10th day (12.67 ± 0.24%), as compared with coated brinjals (8.99 ± 0.42%). Minor changes were observed in pH, for the control sample significantly decreased from 4.58 ± 0.45 to 2.99 ± 0.75 on the 0th day to the 10th day, respectively. Titrable acidity of coated and uncoated cut brinjals was found to be at 0.31 ± 0.44% on the 0th day, which increased up to 0.66 ± 0.20% for the control and 0.55 ± 0.68% for coated brinjals on the 10th day. The taro mucilage coating gel (TMCG) solution showed pseudo-plastic behavior or shear-thinning fluid behavior. FTIR data confirmed the existence of several functional groups including various sugars, proteins, and hydroxylic groups. Antioxidant activity of coated and uncoated cut brinjals was found to be 22.33 ± 0.37% and 22.15 ± 0.49%, respectively. The TMCG solution showed effective results towards the various food pathogenic microorganisms. Overall, it is a natural, renewable resource that is biodegradable. This makes it an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic additives or thickeners. It is cost effective, easily available, eco-friendly, and non-toxic. This can be an attractive feature for consumers looking for sustainable and eco-friendly options.

Arctic Edible Brown Alga Fucus distichus L.: Biochemical Composition, Antiradical Potential and Human Health Risk.

Fucus distichus L. is the dominant canopy-forming macroalga in the rocky intertidal areas of the Arctic and Subarctic. In the present study, the impact of the geographic location of F. distichus collected in the Baffin Sea (BfS), Norwegian Sea (NS), White Sea (WS), and Barents Sea (BS) on the variations in biochemical composition, antiradical properties, and health risk was evaluated. The accumulation of main carbohydrates (fucoidan, mannitol, and alginic acid) varied from 335 mg/g dry weight (DW) in NS to 445 mg/g DW in BS. The highest level of the sum of polyphenols and flavonoids was found in samples of F. distichus from WS and was located in the following ranking order: BS < BfS < NS < WS. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity of seaweed is correlated with its phenolic content. It is notable that in most Arctic F. distichus samples, Cd, Cr, Pb, and Ni were not detected or their concentrations were below the limit of quantification. According to calculated targeted hazard quotient and hazard index values, all studied samples of Arctic F. distichus are safe for daily consumption as they do not pose a carcinogenic risk to the health of adults or children. The results of this study support the rationale for using Arctic F. distichus as a rich source of polysaccharides, polyphenols, and flavonoids with important antiradical activity. We believe that our data will help to effectively use the potential of F. distichus and expand the use of this algae as a promising and safe raw material for the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Quality evaluation of immunomodulatory polysaccharides from Agaricus bisporus by an integrated fingerprint technique

AbstractAgaricus bisporus (A. bisporus) is a rich source of polysaccharides with medical and nutraceutical interests; however, the complex structure of A. bisporus polysaccharides (ABPs) poses a challenge to its quality control. This study aims to investigate the immunomodulatory fractions of ABPs and further establish a quality control system for the detection and characterization of bioactive ABPs. Two fractions of ABPs were obtained using gradient alcohol precipitation combined ultrafiltration, followed by characterization of molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, chemical structure, and evaluation of immunomodulatory activity. Results showed that the two isolated fractions with different molecular weight, 8.95 × 106 Da (ABP17‐1) and 1.73 × 104 Da (ABP17‐2), were more homogeneous and exerted stronger immunomodulatory activity than that of ABPs. Furthermore, an integrated fingerprint technique including HPSEC‐MALL‐RID and HPLC was applied for the fingerprint analysis of ABPs from 17 batches of A. bisporus, which showed high similarity. Besides, two polysaccharide fractions, two monosaccharides (glucose and galactose), and the main cellulose hydrolysate glucose were identified as potential quality control markers of ABPs. Overall, this study could help better understand the structure–activity relationship of ABPs and serve as a guidance for the quality control of active ABPs and their related products.

Phytonutrients and Antimicrobial Activities of Methanolic Extract from Hafr Al-Batin Truffles

The desert truffle is a wild mushroom, also referred to as Kamah or Fagaa. Kamah is a rich source of polysaccharides that have medicinal, antitumoral, antibacterial, and immune-stimulant effects. Studies of hypogeous fungi, especially desert truffles, have recently entered traditional studies of epigeous higher Basidiomycetes. Based on the tasty desert truffle Kamah obtained from Hafr Al-Batin Governorate, Saudi Arabia, as a source of potential antimicrobial agents with both the aim of obtaining novel agents toward bacteria and Fungi of clinical significance. We specifically tested the antibacterial and antifungal efficacy of methanol extracts of Kamah against the Gram-negative bacterial pathogens reference strains E. coli ATCC® 8739, P. Aeruginosa ATCC®9027, S. aureus ATCC®6538, Enterococci NCTC®775 and opportunistic fungus C. albicans ATCC®1231.The extract had MIC (minimum inhibitory concentrations) varying from 100 g/ml to 500 g/ml against the pathogens examined. The LC-QTOF-MS (liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry) phytoconstituents assay chromatogram indicated that the methanol extracts of Kamah comprises 264 with retention periods varying from 1.04 to 18.86, which were categorized as unsaturated and saturated natural ingredients sch as aromatic compounds, carboxylic acids, oxygenated hydrocarbons, fatty acids, amino acids, and vitamins).The main compounds were discovered to be 21 with peak areas larger than 2X10-5 and retention periods varying from 2.3 to 9.13.The main known substances with the maximum peaks were adenosine (11.724), phenylalanine (7.711), phenprobamate (7.711), and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5.711). Such preliminary findings, we assume, are encouraging in terms of obtaining a beneficial antibiotic substitute to battle antibiotic-resistant pathogens especially eye infections.

Effects of Astragalus Membranaceus supplementation on oxidative stability of Cashmere goat.

Astragalus membranaceus (AM) provides a rich source of polysaccharides that can act as powerful antioxidants, but their potential as feed ingredients in the lamb industry still rarely exploited. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary astragalus membranaceus supplementation on oxidative stability of goat muscles. Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscles from two groups of Cashmere goat (basal diet, C group; basal diet supplemented with 1% astragalus membranaceus root, AM group) were evaluated for lipid oxidation, myoglobin oxidation, activity of antioxidant enzymes, and antioxidant capacity. The results showed that color parameters in Cashmere goat of two feeding conditions were no significant difference (p > .05). In AM group, myoglobin (Mb) content was higher than C, while metmyoglobin (MMb) (p < .05) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < .01) were lower. Additionally astragalus membranaceus supplementation had a significant effect on superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) (p < .001). In whole, the AM group goats presented a relatively higher antioxidant capacity than C. Especially, RSA and CUPRAC values of AM group goats had significantly higher than C (p < .05). Consequently, the AM group goats ingested abundant astragalus membranaceus, which enhanced the antioxidant capacity. Thus, it can eliminate free radicals and effectively inhibit oxidation.

Development and Validation of an GC-MS Method to Quantify Phytoconstituents by Using Entada pursaetha DC

Medicinal plants have rich source of secondary metabolites, which can be screened either qualitatively or quantitatively. It is an important procedure for qualifying the plant drug and their potentialities. The active phytomoleucles present in a plant reflect the therapeutic values of medicinal species. In order to discover a new bioactive compounds from plant resources which could become new leads or new drugs, plant extracts should be simultaneously evaluated by appropriate screening methods by either biological or pharmacological targets. For the extraction procedures, solvent extraction is commonly employed for extraction of most active principles from the plants. Entada sp. showed more than 27 different components of phytochemicals with a rich source of polysaccharides whereas polysaccharides only have major drug potential which was carried out by GC-MS analysis. In the recent studies, the bioactive components of seed of Entada pursaetha using GC-MS were investigated using Perkin-Elmer Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, while the Mass spectra of the compounds found in the extract was matched with previous literature.

Modulatory effect of Ficus carica on oxidative stress and hematological changes induced by gamma-radiation in male albino rats

The fig, Ficus carica L. (Moraceae), is a rich source of polysaccharides that possessed anti-tumour and anti-oxidant properties. The present study aimed to evaluate the ability of F. carica to protect against radiation-induced changes in certain biochemical and hematological parameters. This was achieved by measuring different hematological parameters, antioxidant enzyme activities, and lipid peroxidation; histological examination of liver and kidney was also performed. Rats used in this study were divided into four groups of 10 each- group 1: control, group 2: F. carica, group 3: irradiated rats, and group 4: F. carica pretreated irradiated rats. Ficus carica extract was prepared in water in a 1:3 w:v ratio and administered by gavage for three consecutive weeks before whole body gamma irradiation with 8 Gy (single dose). Five rats were sacrificed from each group at 24 and 72 h after radiation exposure. Irradiation resulted in marked reduction in white blood cell (WBC), platelets (PLT), lymphocyte, and neutrophil counts, whereas no significant changes were observed in red blood cells (RBCs) count, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, mean corpuscular Hb (MCH), red cell distribution width (RDW), hematocrit (HCT) mean corpuscular Hb concentration (MCHC) and mean PLT volume (MPV). Radiation treatment increased thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) levels, catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, and caused hepatic and renal damage. Oral administration of F. carica before irradiation significantly increased WBC, PLT, lymphocytes and neutrophils counts, along with a decrease in TBARS levels, and catalase and SOD activities in serum, liver, and kidney. These results suggested that consumption of F. carica a natural product with antioxidant capacity and capability to quench singlet oxygen could help mitigate cellular damage caused by whole-body irradiation-induced free radicals.

Study of prebiotic potential and antioxidant activity in Plantago spp. leaves after enzymatic hydrolysis with hemicellulase and xylanase

The leaves of Plantago species have been known as a rich source of polysaccharides, polyphenols, and iridoids. In the recent years, some authors have examined the relative influence of carbohydrate compositions and polyphenols on their antioxidant and prebiotic activity. In this study enzymatic hydrolysis of Plantago major, Plantago lanceolata, and Plantago media leaves with hemicellulase and xylanase was carried out. The chemical composition of the enzyme-derived hydrolysis products was determined. Their antioxidant activity was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity assays. The utilization of the carbohydrate complex from the obtained hydrolysates to stimulate the production of certain glycohydrolases from Lactobacillus plantarum probiotic strains was investigated. The HPLC analysis of the hydrolysis products showed the presence of galactose and arabinose in 1:3 and 1:4 ratios. The highest concentration of total sugars was determined in P.major hydrolysates with hemicellulase (386.71mg/g dry weight). The antioxidant activity according to the three methods was the highest in P. media hydrolysates, which correlated with their total phenolic concentration. L. plantarum S27 showed the highest values of α-galactosidase activity at the 24-h fermentation process when it was cultivated in a broth with the presence of P.major hydrolysates with hemicellulase and xylanase (0.129 U/mg and 0.133 U/mg, respectively).

Influence of raw polysaccharide extract from mushroom stalk waste on growth and pH perturbation induced-stress in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

Fish contributes to half of the total world animal protein produced. In vivo ionic imbalance caused by aqua-environmental pH perturbation makes fish more susceptible to oxidative stress and hence its growth and yield are compromised. Enhancing the antioxidant defense status by supplementing with natural antioxidant rich source is the most convenient alternative to protect fish from stress. Disposal of undesirable mushroom part (mushroom stalk waste, MSW) increases exponentially along with its production. As mushroom is a rich source of polysaccharides and antioxidants, we extracted raw polysaccharide (RP) from MSW for 2h (RP2) and 5h (RP5) respectively and supplemented to fish feed to evaluate the protective effect on stress caused by pH fluctuation. RP5 contained significantly higher amount of beta glucan (P=0.0023) and crude protein (P=0.0000). Phenolic content for the RP5 was 70.67mgGAE/g extract exhibiting significantly better IC50 values for DPPH radical scavenging, metal chelating activity and inhibition of LPO, with values of 0.821 (P=0.0000), 4.48 (P=0.0000) and 1.052 (P=0.0001) mg/mL. The experimental range of supplementation (5 and 10gRP/kg feed) showed zero mortality for Nile tilapia. Higher amount of SGR was observed in case of diet RP 5g/kg supplementation, however better WG and HSI were found for RP 10g/kg. In in vivo pre and post stress condition, diet RP 5g/kg feed has significantly improved the activity of SOD (P=0.0039 and P=0.0352, respectively for low and high pH) and CAT (P=0.0006, P=0.0006 and P=0.0074, respectively for pH5.5, pH8.5 and pH10.5). Pearson correlation analysis showed TPC and beta glucan has strong correlation respectively with DPPH (1.00 and 0.942), LPO (0.998 and 0.958) and metal chelating activity (0.988 and 0.980). CAT and SOD has shown strong correlation with SGR (0.960 and 0.935), moderate correlation with WG (0.461 and 0.170), respectively. In the principle component analysis, SGR and WG were observed clustered together with supplemented diet both in pre and post stress condition. In summary, the results suggest that RP5 is a promising antioxidant agent and supplementation of RP5 in fish feed showed the capacity of mitigating pH induced stress in fish, which enhances the growth rate in stress condition. Statement of relevanceThis experiment was conducted to improve the growth performance and to enhance the oxidative stress protection capacity of Nile tilapia. Raw polysaccharide of mushroom stalk waste (MSW) was used as supplement in diet which was available, cheap and rich in beta glucan content. This is first report on utilization of MSW as supplement of fish feed to increase the oxidative stress protection in aquatic organism. Nile tilapia, second largest aquatic fish, was used as experimental model fish. Enhancing the antioxidant defense status by supplementing with natural antioxidant rich source is the most convenient alternative to protect fish from stress. Disposal of undesirable mushroom part (mushroom stalk waste, MSW) increases exponentially along with its production. As mushroom is a rich source of polysaccharides and antioxidants, we extracted raw polysaccharide (RP) from MSW for 2h (RP2) and 5h (RP5) respectively and supplemented to fish feed to evaluate the protective effect on stress caused by pH fluctuation.We believe our findings will be of particular interest to the scientific community and very useful in practical to fish feed as supplement.

Antagonistic activity of selected bacteria occurring in the soil after root chicory cultivation

Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) is a rich source of polysaccharides (intibin and inulin), vitamins, acids and mineral salts. The present studies determined the antagonistic activity of selected bacteria of the soil environment of root chicory towards fungi pathogenic towards this plant: Alternaria alternata, Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium culmorum, F. oxysporum, Thanatephorus cucumeris and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Root chicory was cultivated with using cover crops (oats, tansy phacelia and common vetch). The use of cover crops, especially oats, in the cultivation of root chicory had a positive effect both on the total population of bacteria and the population of Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. in the soil. Antagonistic Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. displayed differentiated activity towards the studied fungi. The greatest antagonistic effect was found out after the mulch of oats. After common vetch, the antagonistic activity of bacteria was more than twice, and after phacelia three times as low as after oats. In the traditional cultivation of root chicory this activity was nearly twelve times lower.

Characterization of water and alkali-soluble polysaccharides from Pleurotus tuber-regium sclerotia

Pleurotus tuber-regium sclerotia, an edible and medicinal mushroom, is a rich source of polysaccharides used as a functional food to promote health and longevity. The crude polysaccharides were isolated from the P. tuber-regium by hot aqueous and alkali extraction and then further purified by DEAE-52 cellulose chromatography and Sephadex G-100 chromatography. Two polysaccharides, water and alkaline extraction of polysaccharides (W-PTR and A-PTR), were obtained and their extraction process were optimized through orthogonal array design. Structure characteristics (physicochemical property analysis, molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, sulfate and uronic acid contents, triple helical structures, ultraviolet spectrum and infrared spectroscopy) of the two polysaccharides were investigated. Results showed that the main difference between the two polysaccharides is reflected in color, solubility, molecular weight and monosaccharide composition. Conformational analysis showed that both W-PTP and A-PTP had triple-helix conformation. The 3D structure of the two polysaccharides and their structure–function relationship will be challenge in the future.

Microwave superheated water extraction of polysaccharides from spent coffee grounds

The spent coffee grounds (SCG) are a food industry by-product that can be used as a rich source of polysaccharides. In the present work, the feasibility of microwave superheated water extraction of polysaccharides from SCG was studied. Different ratios of mass of SCG to water, from 1:30 to 1:5 (g:mL) were used for a total volume of 80mL. Although the amount of material extracted/batch (MAE1) increased with the increase of the concentration of the sample, the amount of polysaccharides achieved a maximum of 0.57g/batch for 1:10. Glycosidic-linkage composition showed that all extraction conditions allowed to obtain mainly arabinogalactans. When the unextracted insoluble material was re-extracted under the same conditions (MAE2), a further extraction of polysaccharides was observed (0.34g/batch for 1:10), mainly galactomannans. Also, a high amount of oligosaccharides, mainly derived from galactomannans, can be obtained in MAE2 (0.96g/batch for 1:10). This technology allows to obtain galactomannans and arabinogalactans in proportions that are dependent on the operating conditions.

Anti‐asthmatic properties of Bio‐Rice in OVA‐induced asthmatic mice

From the long time, polysaccharides and saponin have been used in the traditional medicine to treat several diseased conditions including inflammatory disease. In this study, we investigated the anti‐asthmatic effect of Bio‐Rice, a rich source of polysaccharides and saponin in OVA‐induced asthmatic mice model. Forty OVA‐induced asthmatic BALB/c mice were equally divided into four groups, including control, and different concentrations of Bio‐Rice treated groups (1X, 2X and 4X). Respective mice received Bio‐Rice for 8‐week. The anti‐asthmatic effect of Bio‐Rice was determined by observing eosinophil recruitment, airway hyper‐responsiveness, Th2 cytokine and IgE levels. The Bio‐Rice treatment effectively reduced the percentage of eosinophils in BALF when compared to the level in OVA‐induced mice. Bio‐Rice also suppressed AHR‐induced by aerosolized methacholine. Furthermore, Bio‐Rice treatment suppressed the serum IgE level and decreased Th2 cytokines in the supernatant of cultured splenocytes. These results suggest that Bio‐Rice may have therapeutic potential against asthma.